Deadpool 2 Needs Michael Shannon as Cable

Deadpool 2 is in legit production now, gearing up to start shooting in June, and we've already got some interesting casting news, with Atlanta's Zazie Beetz joining as Domino. The main question, though, is who's going to be playing the promised fan favorite, Cable? Well, we might have our answer.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Shannon is leading the line to play the popular mutant. Cable's only been around for a few decades (peanuts in comic book years), but he's a big deal. He's got a big metal arm with a gun attached (nice), a cyborg eye that makes him see real good (cool), and a shock of platinum blonde hair (pretty). He also is sometimes telekinetic and telepathic, but that depends on which story he's in. He's also sort of Cyclops' son, who in an alternate timeline was shot into the future as a baby and then sent back all robot-ed up, or something? I don't know. This movie will probably not cover all of that. We'd be in there for hours.

Whatever form Cable takes in Deadpool 2, having Michael Shannon play him would be a major coup. The dude's a serious actor, and if you've seen him in Revolutionary Road, Take Shelter, or Boardwalk Empire, you have a sense of the kind of soft-but-threatening elements he can bring to a role. You may also know him from Man of Steel, where he played the very angry, very loud General Zod.

Honestly, whichever Shannon we get—the dewy-eyed character actor or the histrionic maniac—would be a treat. He's fun to watch onscreen and equally as fun to watch on major press tours. Remember when he said to old Trump supporter that they might as well die, telling a reporter, "My mom’s a senior citizen, but if you’re voting for Trump, it’s time for the urn"? Or how in that same interview he encouraged people to cut off their Trump-supporting relatives, saying "You’re an orphan now. Don’t go home. Don’t go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Don’t talk to them at all"? More of that, please.

Anyway, Deadpool 2 is due out sometime in 2018. Also, if I ever become an orphan, I hope Michael Shannon is the one to break the news.